Sony SDM-S94



The SDM-S94 just screams retro. Albeit the SDM model line is somewhere between entry level and enthusiast, our experience with the SDM-S94 felt a little more toward a high end component. With the Samsung 910V or the Planar PE191M, we knew that we were dealing with an entry level monitor with entry level construction. The SDM-S94 felt very mature all the way down to the user interface.

 Sony SDM-S94
LCD 19" SXGA LCD (Active Matrix)
pixel pitch: 0.294mm
Anti-glare coating
Scanning Frequency Horizontal: 28-80kHz
Vertical: 45-75Hz
Response Time 25ms (Typical)
Contrast Ratio 600:1 (Typical)
Compatibility 1280 x 1024 (Native)
Brightness 250 cd/m2
Viewing Angle 170 / 170 (Horizontal / Vertical)
Power Working: 50W
Standby/Off: 1.2W
Warranty 3 years parts and labor
Interface DVI
15-pin D-sub

Again, there are not very many outstanding qualities of the SDM-S94. With the Sony name, you generally pay a little bit more, but the customer support is great and usually, you can find coupons or rebates that will take off $50 at a time.

Samsung SyncMaster 910V ViewSonic Q190MB
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  • archcommus87 - Saturday, December 4, 2004 - link

    Additionally, what are your thoughts on response time? I see that many of the monitors reviewed here are 20-25 ms monitors, however so many people claim that anything over 16 is simply unacceptable for gaming. Is this true or would 25 be plenty fine?
  • archcommus87 - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    So SOME out there are actually 4:3 physicall. How do you know which ones? They do list l x w x h, but I'm assuming that includes base. So you must read a review or physically measure it yourself to know this?

    Kristopher: What is your opinion on the quality of the image when it is upscaled in such a way, say trying to run a game at 10x7 on a 19" 1280x1024 monitor.
  • GOSHARKS - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    KristopherKubicki, that may be the case with some models - BUT you imply that ALL 17-19" LCDs that are 5:4 in resolution are in reality 4:3 physically, which is incorrect and confusing for people reading your review.

    "Most 19" and 17" LCDs have an aspect ratio of 5:4 (1280x1024). This is OK, but you're looking at a 5:4 signal crammed in a 4:3 box."
  • KristopherKubicki - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    archcommus87: LCDs will naturally interpolate pixels if you choose a non-native resolution. Only a few monitors will scale the image down to the correct pixel size (ie the Samsung 192T). Of course, if you do that you just turned your 19" LCD into a 17" one.

    Kristopher
  • KristopherKubicki - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    GOSHARKS: As i stated above in the comment addressed to #14, there are LCDs that are not the correct aspect ratio. A few viewsonic models come to mind. That was the only thing I was addressing in the aspect ratio portion of the guide.

    Kristopher
  • KristopherKubicki - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    Peter: For these LCDs you are correct, they are all the correct aspect ratio. However, we have looked at 17" and 19" pannels in the past that are 4:3 (and not surprisingly they did not get good reviews).

    Kristopher
  • archcommus87 - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    Are the options presented thus far really the only options for running games at resolutions other than native? If so how could anyone want an LCD for gaming? Unless you're positive you'll always have a beefy enough computer to run games at 1280x1024 or higher. Or unless you don't mind playing the game with black around all sides.
  • vailr - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    No information as to "color accuracy". Maybe this device would be useful?
    ****************************
    Color Plus
    Manufacturer: ColorVision

    http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?p...

    Mfg Part #: GEU104
    Product Information
    (Based on manufacturer's information)
    Produce Stunning Photos Using the Tools Pros Rely on for Color Accuracy

    ColorPlus corrects your CRT, LCD, or notebook monitors for accurate and consistent color - day-to-day and image-to image. Spend more time behind the lens or printing your photos instead of wasting time, paper, and ink. Pros correct their monitors at least once a month - now you can too in your home.

    Experts agree - the #1 tip for positively great prints - Calibrate Your Monitor. Monitors are like snowflakes, everyone is different and they change over time as they age.

    Now with ColorPlus, your colors can finally look their best and brightest. ColorPlus corrects your CRT, LCD or notebook monitor for accurate, reliable, and consistent color - day-to-day and image-to-image. It also gives you a wider range of colors, better flesh tones, and more open shadows. Now you can use the same tools the pros do and make your images studio grade.

    ColorPlus includes an award-winning, patent-protected color hardware sensor and wizard-based monitor calibration software. The color hardware sensor connects to your computer using USB and easily attaches to your CRT, LCD, or notebook monitor. In a few easy steps, the software guides through the entire process to deliver precise color in the widest range your monitor can produce. ColorPlus automatically calibrates your monitor to industry standards for color, gamma, white point, and luminance

    Recommended for all digital camera enthusiasts
    Corrects your monitor for accurate and reliable color
    Lets you trust what you see on your screen
    Produces a wider range of color, better flesh tones, & more open shadows
    Simple to use and AFFORDABLE
    High-tech and cool-looking color hardware sensor
    Save time, paper, and ink
    Includes Adobe® Photoshop® Album Starter Edition for FREE
    Free technical supportso your results are accurate and consistent from day-to-day.

    Platform: PC
    Media Format: CD-ROM
    System Requirements: Display: CRT, LCD, or notebook monitor
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
    Free USB port

  • Peter - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    Or does the Anandtech high-tech lab not feature such an old fashioned tool like a wooden stick with a scale on it?

    http://emoties.murphology.com/strips/displayimage....
  • Peter - Friday, December 3, 2004 - link

    ... and I had said exactly that in #14 already. No correction so far? Boo...

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